The Model and the Doctor
Stephen R. Van Schoyck, Ph.D., (author of the book 'The Burn Rate Diet') is a clinical psychologist affiliated with Frankford Hospital, Bucks County in Langhorne, PA, and a member of the Jefferson Health System. We have teamed up to answer your questions. About the doctor.
"How do I become a model?"
I am asked this question so frequently that I have decided to ask three different experts the exact questions you have asked me. Meet one of my agents that I have had the pleasure to work with over the years. These bookers/agents are the decision makers and career makers in the world of Plus Modeling. I hope this helps you in your search for information as you delve into the modeling world!
Are Plus Sized Models Really Plus Sized?
As a hefty size 14, I often hear people tell me, "You are not plus-size." Everything's relative. If you were to put me next to a standard-size model, I would be at about six sizes bigger than she is. Most of the models you see in advertising and editorial photographs are size 2 to 8, wearing size 8 clothing, which is the sample-size standard. (You should see how the clothes are pinned in the back!)
Welcome to "fashion reality." Just as I, a size 14, represent the "plus-size woman," models who are tall, slim, and small-boned represent the "average American woman." The real average American woman is actually 5'4", about 140 lbs, and size 14.
A letter I received recently from a woman named Myron motivated me to share my thoughts not only with her, but with all of you. Here's the letter and my response, for if Myron is curious about this double standard, she is not alone. Many of you have asked the same question-if not to me, then to one another or to yourself. The fact that I'm addressing it to Myron makes my response no less personally heartfelt to you.
After all, we are in this together.
Dear Natalie,
I'm a 38-year-old black woman who would like to comment on the plus-size models who are not really plus-size. I'm a 22-24, and I hardly see any models that size. Also the clothes they wear are not things that women my size would ever think of wearing. What are the measurements for a woman to be a plus-size model anyway?
-Myron
Dear Myron,
It must be very frustrating to see that the models who are supposed to represent you as a plus-size woman are on the smaller end of the plus scale. In the fashion business, "reality" is often not depicted realistically. That's true, by the way, not only with regard to size. In many fashion photographs, stray hairs are routinely airbrushed out, as are shadows, wrinkles, blemishes, and even freckles. And that's after the hair and makeup people have finished with the models! In both fashion and beauty-as in Hollywood-perfection is the reality.
"Who did the music for your site?"
Joshua Sitron has written music for Nickelodeon, Disney, and the Girl Scouts of America. When he's not writing music for 5-year olds, he is acting like a 5-year old onstage with his improv group "Centralia". Josh lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and periodically travels to the Earth's chakras (Egypt, Peru, etc.).
Pictures of his album, as well as ordering and listening is available at his website www.funkymonkeys.net
"What are those sayings in yellow on the home page that change every time I log on?"
These words of wisdom are inspirations for facing Life's Daily Challenges.
Use them to Open New perspectives in your life and bring you to yourself, to home.
